Kip Winger at The Token Lounge in Westland, MI on 17-Jun-2015

Kip Winger brought a night of acoustic rock to The Token Lounge along with The Allies, Jaimie Wilson, and The Good Son.

Opening the night was The Good Son. From Livonia, MI, this acoustic rock solo band is the culmination of many years of writing and crafting through high school and college by singer/songwriter Jon Cervi. His debut E.P., The Fight, was released in May 2014. Fully written, recorded and mixed by Cervi, The 6 song E.P. features songs covering 12 years of writing. His music is soothing, emotive and thought provoking. You hear him bear his soul in all its rawness, while being put completely at ease by the melodies. The Fight, is available on his website.

Jaimie Wilson was up next. Playing the piano at age 4 and the flute in middle school, this young solo singer, songwriter and guitarist is no stranger to music. They started playing the guitar at the age of 16. Now 19, they are playing all around the metro Detroit area. Their voice carries a lightness and great strength. Their enchanting voice, combined with skillfully sweet guitar playing, and wondrous knack for the harmonica reverberated around the venue.
They are currently working to record her first album.

The Allies hit the stage next. This acoustic rock cover band is made up of members that all hail from different bands, such as Uncle Kracker, Bloodline Riot, Overloaded, and more. Depending on the day, you could see a handful of different musicians sharing the stage. Tonight was Chris Gillen (vocals and acoustic guitar), and Steve Lane (guitar). Shelling out hits like “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” “Breaking The Law,” and “Run To The Hills,” this duo

And finally, Kip Winger came out to the stage, with a million-dollar smile, to the crowd cheering. Kip Winger is most well known for his success with Winger, his early days as a bass player with Alice Cooper, and lead singer for the Alan Parsons live project. He has also performed with Bob Dylan, Alice Cooper, Mark Farner, Neal Schon, and Roger Daltrey.
He was very interactive with the crowd, joking and chatting between songs. He had the crowd laughing so much, it almost felt like a stand-up show at times. He was so friendly on stage, that you felt like you were seeing an old friend perform, rather than a multi-platinum recording artist who has been called one of the best songwriters and composers by numerous rock magazines.
During “Miles Away,” he pulled a girl up onstage to help him sing. It being the lucky lady’s birthday, he and the crowd sang her “Happy Birthday” before starting. Winger performed many older Winger tunes along with his solo music. “Easy Come, Easy Go,” “Steam,’ “Free,” “Headed For A Heartbreak,” “Rainbow In The Rose,” “Deal With The Devil,” and of course, “Seventeen,
” plus several others.
Winger’s acoustic set was like nothing fans have heard before. With only his guitar and powerful voice, he commanded the same stage presence as a full band. When fans heard these songs stripped down, away from the lights and the glitz and the glam of arena rock, fans really got a fill for the raw, outstanding talent Kip Winger has always been as a singer and songwriter.
The new Winger album, Better Days, is available on iTunes and Amazon.

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About The Author

Calling Detroit, Michigan home, Sami has been photographing for many years and has been with National Rock Review since near the beginning. She is a photographer and writer for National Rock Review as well as being the US Marketing Manager, PR Correspondent, and Editor. She also owns her own photography business, Sami Lipp Photography.
Capturing the excitement of live music and the passion of musicians is something she lives for. She is excited to grow her career in music photography every day.